What They're Saying Before Game 2 Of The NBA Finals: Part II

by erivera7 on Jun 7, 2009 2:30 PM EDT in News

Orlando Magic must avoid falling into an 0-2 tar pit against Los Angeles Lakers
Brian Schmitz thinks it'd be best for the Magic to win against the Lakers ...

They could use a breakthrough win, not solely for historical purposes, of course. But because a split in L.A. swings the momentum the Magic's way and reminds doubters of their resiliency heading back to Orlando for three consecutive games. [...]

Dwight Howard wants to do something The Big Exit couldn't accomplish in Orlando.

"I think it would be great for us as an organization," he said Saturday. "Our goal wasn't to make it to the Finals and win one game. We want to win the whole thing.

"We believe we will win it."
Rafer Alston still the starting point guard for the Orlando Magic, and says he has no beef with Coach Stan Van Gundy
... and reveals that Rafer Alston is cool with head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Alston said after Thursday night's 100-75 loss to the Lakers that he was affected by Nelson relieving him and playing the entire second quarter.

Van Gundy said Alston was making an excuse for his subpar play, to which Alston responded, "I'll give you a good excuse. I sat 12 minutes real game-time. I sat about 30 minutes real-life time. There's your excuse. It's different. I don't care who it is."

On Saturday, Alston laughed off the exchange with Van Gundy.

"That's Coach. But I'm not the one to make excuses. Everyone understands about playing. It's just a rhythm thing. And he understands that I still go out and give him 100 percent effort every time and do what I have to do with the minutes that I'm given," said Alston, who played for Van Gundy in Miami.

"This is my second go-around with Coach and we never have any problems. He and I are on the same page."
It's time to start Nelson at point guard
Mike Bianchi suggests the Orlando Magic should start Jameer Nelson, now.
When you get this close to a championship, your best shouldn't be coming off the bench. And make no mistake about it: Nelson is the best point guard on the Magic roster. Do you remember the phenomenal numbers he was putting up before he got hurt? He was averaging 16.7 points, 50.3 percent from the floor, 45.3 percent from 3-point range and 88.7 percent from the free-throw line.
L.A. assistant Brian Shaw pushes regrets aside
George Diaz writes a nice piece about former Orlando player Brian Shaw, who is the advance scout for the Lakers.
NBA Commissioner David Stern addresses sale of Bobcats, economy
Kyle Hightower talks about David Stern's press conference that took place prior to Game 1 of the NBA Final, where the commish addressed where the league is headed during continuing tough financial times.
MY NEW SHOES: ADIDAS TS COMMANDER LT
Dwight Howard posts on his official blog today and talks about his new kicks that he's wearing for the NBA Finals. The shoes go on sale October 1st.

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I've read this about six times and still can't figure out what it means:

“I’ll give you a good excuse. I sat 12 minutes real game-time. I sat about 30 minutes real-life time. There’s your excuse. It’s different. I don’t care who it is.”

Somebody tell me, what the hell does that mean?

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 7, 2009 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

Oh ok, seventh time was a charm. He said 12 minutes of game time and 30 minutes total...

LOL, it was a rough night…

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 7, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Hah.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 7, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

When you sit out that long during the game you get cold, and it seems longer than real time, all players get like this, you see all stars getting antsy, just like Kobe does and wants to get back in so they don't ruin the rhythm< do you get it NOW????

by kmbrly429 on Jun 7, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone think there's much truth to what Bianchi is saying?

Maybe it’s just a grudge I’ve had towards him because he seems to ride the fair-weather ship too frequently and never hesitates to ridicule a team/player/coach, but I guess that’s part of his job as a sports columnist. I mean yeah, everyone remembers how well Jameer played before he got hurt, but like any athlete that suffers an injury it takes time for the player to get into a rhythm and into the flow/environment of the game much less the NBA finals. I would much rather had seen Jameer play sparingly against Cleveland (Orl. gm 5 or Cle. gm 6?) than playing mind games with the media before game one of the finals. I’m glad SVG and Rafer put the bickering aside for now and even though Rafer said he wasn’t bothered by the decision something like that can really hurt the psych of a player whether one admits it or not. I guess only time will tell

Sorry for the longer post but I hadn’t posted in a while and my nerves are starting to kick in so that might have something to do with it lol.

"One thing about knowing that you're dying is that it keeps reminding you you're alive so it's no time to pass up a party."
- Warren Zevon

by Wally Balls 407 on Jun 7, 2009 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

There's no way that Jameer can realistically play starter's minutes with effectiveness, right now.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 7, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Why haven't you posted in a while?

Did coach take you out of the game for too long? Is that why your nerves are starting to kick in?

by hevchv on Jun 7, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

At this point the players shouldn't care who starts

This is the freaking NBA finals. Rafer this is your shot. If you get 30 minutes on the floor then you better make damn use of it. If Jameer gets 15 minutes then he better make good use of it. This may be your only shot fellas.

by matthan on Jun 7, 2009 7:39 PM EDT reply actions

Definitely.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 7, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Stan.......

please get back to your rotation you have been playing in the Playoffs, just because Jameer thinks he is ready does not mean he is ready; this has disturbed the whole rhythm of the team, you have taken Hedo out of his game, when he shifted to point guard there is when the ball was passed around, it made plays that won you ball games!!! Get back to your original Playoff Offense, or you are doomed for the finals! Get back to your point guard after the finals!!!!!

Rockets Fan

by kmbrly429 on Jun 7, 2009 10:17 PM EDT reply actions